said the captain, and he started
to walk away.

"Wait," cried Grant suddenly. "What's Fred trying to do?"

"He's untying the ropes," exclaimed String. "Is he crazy?"

"I guess he is," said Pop. "It looks as if he was getting ready to climb
down the way he went up."

"Yell at him," exclaimed String excitedly.

"Don't you do it," cautioned Captain Dodge quickly. "Don't distract his
attention from what he is doing for a second. It's too late now,
anyway."

Fred now stood free and clear of the ropes. It was evident that the two
men with him were arguing with him not to attempt the descent, but
apparently their efforts made no impression on the daring youth, for he
could be seen to shake his head. Then he gingerly lowered himself from
the yard and began the perilous journey to the deck.

"Pretty nervy," muttered Captain Dodge under his breath, and murmurs of
admiration could be heard from all the members of the crew gathered
nearby. No one spoke, however, for all eyes and all interest were
focused on the feat Fred was performing.

Slowly and carefully he proceeded at first, but as he gained in
confidence he increased the speed of his descent. Before he had covered
half of the distance he was swinging along as freely and apparently as
carelessly as any sailor. A moment later and he reached the deck.

"Good boy," cried Captain Dodge, springing forward to shake hands with
Fred, and at the same time a hearty cheer was given by the crew.

As soon as Fred touched foot on the deck, however, a change came over
him. His face became deathly pale and he swayed dizzily. He put out his
hand to save himself, but before Captain Dodge could reach him he
collapsed and sank to the deck in a limp heap.

"Fainted," remarked Grant simply.

"Well, I don't blame him," exclaimed Pop Sanders. "It's the reaction
from the strain probably."

The three boys rushed to the side of their comrade and found that
Grant's surmise had been correct. Fred had fainted.

"Bring some water," directed Captain Dodge. "He'll be around presently."

Fred soon opened his eyes after a few treatments of cold water, splashed
directly in his face. He looked about him and smiled weakly.

"How do you feel?" asked Captain Dodge.

"Fine," said Fred, but he didn't look so.

"You better get in your bunk for a while," said the captain. "That's all
you need just now. I'll tell the cook to bring you a little hot soup."

Leaning on Grant and George Washington San